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Industrial Chic: Decorating With Vintage Metal Fans

Sometimes you just have to buy an item for no particular reason except that you like it. It’s not practical. It may not serve any purpose. You just like it. And, that’s okay. At least I tell myself that.

I tell myself that because I’m the kind of person who wants random items like a 50-75 pound ceramic elephant planter. (I’m still kicking myself for not buying that at my local Goodwill.) I’m also the kind of person that scours antique stores across Missouri and Kansas to find the perfect vintage metal fan. Just because I wanted one. Obviously I wasn’t drawn to vintage fans for their superior cooling capabilities. I like the look.

Lately I’ve seen retro electric fans in almost every home magazine I open. One will be perched on a dresser, adding a splash of vintage style to the room without looking girly, as a lot of vintage items can. Or, one will sit atop a stack of books as a makeshift bedside table. Vintage fans just add a bit of industrial charm to a room. Plus, their look can fit with all types of decorating styles. See:

After much searching, I finally found a vintage electric fan that I love. But now that I have it, I’m not completely sure what to do with it. Its current home is perched on a stack of magazines atop the radiator in my living room. The mix of the vintage patina of the radiator and the vintage fan go well together, but I want to put the fan in a more prominent location.

I’ll keep you updated on what I decide to do with it. In the meantime, tell me your thoughts on vintage fans. Do you own one? Do you think they can look cute? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.

I like the look of this vintage fan! I am not the best thrifter, but I am interested in getting into it more. I have a vintage wine holder….but I just recently purchased a new wine rack. Fail. Keep these fun tips coming…I am inspired!

I wish I knew how I will use them. Hopefully when I get them the idea will come to me. I am picking up the vintage suitcases on Saturday and I will keep some of them to work into my decor and the rest will be listed in my Etsy shop, called ChicColors.

What a great deal! Unfortunately, the comments on my blog don’t accept images. But I’m dying to see it. You can definitely post a picture on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/redleafstyle. I can’t wait to see it!